Skip to Main Content

You Might Be Able to Put Your Airline Elite Status on Hold if You Can't Use It This Year

You Might Be Able to Put Your Airline Elite Status on Hold if You Can't Use It This Year

Elite airline status can be great to have. Having status on an airline typically offers perks like upgraded seats, free checked bags, and earlier boarding groups. It’s a great perk for having flown with an airline a great deal the year before. But what if you flew a bunch this year, but something like having a newborn at home is going to prevent you from hitting the friendly skies for the next year? Turns out, some airlines will let you put that elite status on hold.

The Points Guy recently posted a guide to putting that status on hold.

Not every airline offers the option, but many do. You also can’t put your elite status on hold for just any reason, you’ll need a rather large one.

As The Points Guy explains, things like having a baby, adopting a child, or having a serious illness tend to qualify. That’s to say that if you just don’t anticipate having the time to travel in the coming year then you’re probably SOL.

As for what airlines offer the option, that varies from airline to airline, and many don’t officially offer a policy but will offer Elite extensions on a case-by-case basis. You can see what each major airline’s policy is in The Points Guy’s post.

In some cases, you’ll be able to postpone that status for a year rather easily, while others might require you to meet certain “challenge” requirements to get that status up and running again.

And if you are planning on asking an airline for a postponement of your Elite status, make sure you’re also prepared with documentation to support why you need it. That might be a not from your doctor or a birth certificate for your daughter.